In 1990, interviewers asked, "At any time over the past 12 months, has -- ever noticed ringing in the ears, or has -- been bothered by any other funny noises in -- ears or head?" In 2007, 2008 and 2023, interviewers asked, "In the past 12 months, have you been bothered by ringing, roaring, or buzzing in your ears or head that lasts for 5 minutes or more?" The survey form further instructed interviewers to read the following if necessary, "Tinnitus (TIN-uh-tus) is the medical term for ringing, roaring or buzzing in the ears or head."

The Field Representative's Manual for 2007 provided the following definition of tinnitus: "Tinnitus is a sensation of a ringing, roaring, or buzzing sound in the ears or head. It is often associated with many forms of hearing impairment and noise exposure."

In 1990, a respondent representing the family could answer this question for other family members. From 2007 forward, except in rare cases where disability precluded self-reporting, sample adults themselves answered the question. Because self-reporting is likely to be more accurate than proxy reporting, researchers should exercise caution when comparing results from 1990 to results from later years.